A week after my double race day, it was time to lace up for my next race - Backpack Buddies 5K. I had a great time last year and I always love supporting my small local races, especially when they are for causes that I care about, so it was a no brainer to go out and support my local schools at the Backpack Buddies 5K.
After being gone all day last Saturday (literally from 6am until 11:00pm), it was good to have a race that was less than 10 minutes from my doorstep. A 8am start time and getting to pick up my packet the night before at a local gym, meant I could sleep in a little longer this morning before heading to the courthouse in downtown Cartersville.
Today ended up being the largest crowd for the race between the 5K and the 1-Mile fun run! That is HUGE for a small local race in its third year, but if there is one this about my community, we love to support our schools. When we headed towards the start line, I was blown away by the crowd!
We started just a few minutes late because they were getting one of the last road closures taken care of, but it was just a few minutes.
We started just a few minutes late because they were getting one of the last road closures taken care of, but it was just a few minutes.
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After the three races last weekend and some pretty intense training last week, I wasn't sure exactly how my legs would cooperate. The first quarter mile or so was a little tight as you made your way through downtown Cartersville but after that it really opened up. I felt a little under control as I was in the crowd. I was in a "feels good" pace but I quickly sped up as soon I was able to break free of the pack.
The first mile was very smooth - it was pretty fast and forgiving with a few short uphills. My legs felt way better than I thought they would after last week. As I came up towards mile 2, you hit a long gradual uphill and a few turns that slowed down my pace bit in the final mile, but I was totally ok with that.
The first mile was very smooth - it was pretty fast and forgiving with a few short uphills. My legs felt way better than I thought they would after last week. As I came up towards mile 2, you hit a long gradual uphill and a few turns that slowed down my pace bit in the final mile, but I was totally ok with that.
Yes, I wish I would have been able to hold on my pace throughout the final stretch, but I was very pleased with how good I felt. After crossing the finish line, I went back to about the mile 3 marker and cheered on Mom, Dad, and other friends that ran today.
After a few different health issues the past year, dad has been joining us a little less frequently, but this is one that he really wanted to do to help support the schools and community. He did so great out there and I am so proud of him!
After a few different health issues the past year, dad has been joining us a little less frequently, but this is one that he really wanted to do to help support the schools and community. He did so great out there and I am so proud of him!
We stuck around for the awards ceremony and the school team awards were named for both the county and city schools. After a slight interruption by a train going through town, we got to the age group awards where dad won first place in his age group and mom got second in her age group! The medals were given out by Cartersville Mayor, Matt Santini, which I thought was a very nice touch.
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Thank you again to the race organizers, runners, volunteers, and of course the local schools for making today possible. I hate that it took me three years to finally get to run this one. I will certainly be back again in 2020!
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